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Are you skeptical about survey sites?
Maybe you’ve tried surveys in the past but were quickly drawn away by the impractical rewards system or the high payment threshold.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you can rest assured that Survey Junkie is legit and can be a lucrative way to earn some extra cash in your spare time.
We could all use some extra cash, right? But let’s face it, as a mom with a full-time job and three kids, that extra time just doesn’t exist.
If you’ve ever Googled “how to make money in your spare time” or “how to make money fast“, 9 out of 10 times, your results will include taking surveys for money.
Truth is, most results are filled with scammy sites that sell your personal data to 3rd parties or impractical sites that pay you in coins, apps or coupons.
So how can you actually make money by taking surveys and how do you know which ones are legit?
In this very detailed Survey Junkie review, I am going to break it down for you so that you can decide if you’d like to give it a try.
Ready to Start Earning Real Money?
What Is Survey Junkie?
Survey Junkie is a website and app that allows users to take surveys, join panels, and express their opinions in exchange for money.
Why?
Thousands of companies each year spend millions of dollars to find out what their consumers like and want. The information you provide by taking surveys helps companies avoid investing in services and products that may fail.
Companies connected with Survey Junkie are searching for people just like you to provide opinions. Whether it’s on new apps, gaming advertising, beauty products, or shopping habits, you can offer your unique viewpoint and get paid for it!
So, you get paid for your opinion. How cool is that?
How Does Survey Junkie Work?
“Take surveys, earn points, then redeem them for cash or popular e-giftcards. It’s that simple.”
-Survey Junkie
I mean, it really is that simple. As a user myself, it’s one of the easiest platforms to navigate.
Not only can you complete surveys on your desktop, but you can also complete surveys via the app.
This makes it extremely effortless to do surveys on the go like the doctor’s waiting room, the grocery store line, or your kid’s pickup line at school.
All you need to do is sign up for your free account and then log-in to your dashboard and you will see surveys available to you. It will show how many points it’s worth and how many minutes it will take to complete the survey.
Click on the one that will provide you with the most valuable return and fill out the questionnaire. If you qualify, then you’ll go on to take the survey.
If you don’t qualify, don’t sweat it. It’s not personal.
Many companies are looking for very specific individuals. If the company had a product for cats and you have 2 dogs, then it’s not in the best interest of the company to continue the survey. You’ll still get 2-3 points just for trying, though.
Survey Junkie tries its best to provide you with relevant surveys but it can’t do so if you don’t fill out your entire profile.
How Much Money Can You Make with Survey Junkie?
Let’s address the big elephant in the room. You won’t get rich by taking surveys.
If you come across sites that tell you that you can make thousands per week/month, they are either lying to you to make money or they solely make their income by referring you and other people.
So how much money can you really make with Survey Junkie?
Each survey ranges from .20-$3.20 per survey and averages about 15 minutes.
But in order to see these $3 surveys, you need to be active on the platform. If you do just one survey per day, you’ll be making pennies and it won’t be worth your time.
In order to be consistent and active, log in and take surveys daily. Yes, that means every single day.
Typically, you should be able to make at least $30 per month by doing surveys in the comfort of your home and in your spare time. Over a 12 month period, you can expect to put a nice $360 payment on your credit card or beef up your emergency fund.
To find out how to make more money with Survey Junkie, keep reading.
Secrets to Making More Money with Survey Junkie
Did you know that you can make more money with Survey Junkie outside of online surveys? Here’s how to start really making a dent in your debt payoff strategy:
Product Testing
As a product tester, you will be expected to provide your opinion on a product through first-hand experience.
First, you’ll need to fill out a brief online survey to see if you qualify. Then, your free product will be shipped to your home for you to use and try out.
You will be required to fill out another survey based on your experience.
Earnings: $5-$50
Online Focus Groups
As an online focus group member, you will be able to provide your opinion about a product or service through online discussion.
If you get an invitation, fill out the questionnaire. This will determine whether or not you are a good fit for the group.
Then, you will participate in a session at a set time and date that you agree to in advance. There is also an option to complete the discussion over several days for your convenience.
Earnings: $25-$100
In-Person Focus Groups
Similarly to the online focus group, the in-person focus group allows you to provide your opinion about a product or service with a group of people.
Make sure to read your emails for an invitation to take a brief survey. This is how Survey Junkie will make sure that this focus group is for you.
Once you are in, you’ll need to meet with a group of people at a designated time and location.
Earnings: $25-$150
Phone Surveys
If you are up for being called to talk about a product or service then make sure to sign up for this one.
First, make sure to add your phone number to your profile. Then, you’ll be invited to take a quick online survey. After that, you’ll be called by a researcher to ask you questions related to the product or service.
Earnings: $5-$100
Survey Junkie Pulse Extension
Survey Junkie Pulse is a browser extension that connects you to exclusive surveys based on your interests. Information is collected automatically when you browse online.
It even sends you a notification as you are browsing as a survey becomes available.
The extension must be active for 30 days for you to receive credit, then you may delete it if you wish.
Earnings: 150 points
Understanding Survey Junkie’s Rewards System
One of the reasons I like Survey Junkie is because of its super easy rewards system.
1000 points = $10
Each survey will tell you exactly how many points you will receive at the end of the survey and how long it will take you.
You can then decide if it’s worth your time to take.
My good friend Brittany, who blogs over at Casual Frugality recommended that I shoot for surveys that have a ratio of at least 5 points per minute in order to get the most out of my time.
Keep this in mind when choosing which surveys to take.
How Do You Get Paid?
Once you reach the payment threshold of 1,000 points, you can redeem your points via PayPal, E Giftcards, and even direct bank transfers.
** Starting 9/16/2019 through 10/31/2019, new users qualify for a $5 redemption threshold. I think Survey Junkie is testing whether it’s worth it to lower the threshold.
If you choose cash, it will pay you via Paypal. You must have a verified Paypal account. Survey Junkie also states that they may require a brief phone call to make sure you are a real person. Transfers are immediate after verification.
If you choose e-gift cards, here are some of your options: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Home Depot, just to name a few. You must provide your email and verify it before you can claim your reward.
It is important to note that gift card options are in increments of $5. If you have $23 points you will able to get $20 worth of gift cards. You won’t be able to redeem the $3 until you reach the threshold again.
You can also choose direct bank transfers. You’ll need to add your bank with a U.S. Bank account and routing number. Then, you’ll need to complete the verification process. Transfers will be done through Dwolla.
Tips for Making the Most Out of Survey Junkie
Complete Your Personal Profile Thoroughly and Accurately
When you first sign up for Survey Junkie, you’ll need to complete your online profile. Survey Junkie does it’s best to provide you with surveys that fit you. The only way they know this is for you to complete each profile.
Not only does this make your experience with Survey Junkie worthwhile, but you’ll also get 10 points for each profile you complete. Woohoo!
Check Your Email Frequently
Survey Junkie will send you an email every time a survey is available to you. It will also let you know how many points it’s worth and how much time it will take you.
I suggest you use a designated email for surveys only. For example, you can use [name’s]surveys@gmail(dot)com. That way, it won’t clog up your regular email and you won’t necessarily forget about it if you use your junk email (ahem like me, cough cough).
Look for the Highest Possible Points that Require the Least Amount of Time
This is the #1 key to making money with the survey platform.
As stated above, a good ratio to aim for is 5 points per minute. You could potentially earn $500 like this user!!
Be Consistent
Surveys go fast and are not always available to you at a later time. So, getting on the platform once or twice a week isn’t going to yield you the best results.
Now, I’m not saying you need to treat this like a part-time job because let’s face it, you won’t earn part-time income from taking surveys. You’ll have a much better return of investment doing something else like monetizing a hobby.
But, you need to be consistent.
Set Goals
Why did you want to try out Survey Junkie in the first place?
Planning a Christmas gift? Birthday gift? Coffee money? Extra money for the kids each month? Extra debt payment? Mani-pedi you can’t really afford otherwise?
Set a goal to aim for. Heck, make a printable if you’d like. Eh, maybe that’s too much. But you get the idea.
If you’ve got something to aim for, you’re more likely to reach it.
Take Your Time and Answer Honestly
Remember that in order for surveys to really work, you need to take your time answering the questions, and respond honestly and consistently.
You can get kicked out for answering dishonestly, for example lying about your age. Survey Junkie also throws out questions to make sure you are reading the material so make sure you read thoroughly.
I actually got kicked out of a survey for going too fast. They were really easy questions so I just rushed through it. Next thing I know, I got kicked out. So, now I take my time and wait at least 3 seconds before going to the next question, just to make sure.
Explore Survey Junkie’s Blog
Yes! Survey Junkie has a blog! There, you can answer polls about the newest products to come and wildest innovations of the future.
You’ll also be able to know about new and exciting these coming to Survey Junkie before they actually roll it out.
Connect with Survey Junkie on Social Media
Just like the companies that thrive off of your opinion, Survey Junkie is constantly innovating new ways to offer you the best experience possible.
Stay in the know by connecting with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Is Survey Junkie a Scam?
Definitely not. Survey Junkie is really legit. There are no shady practices, no selling your email, or sneaky tactics to waste your time.
In fact, Survey Junkie is rated B (as of 10/2019) with the Better Business Bureau. Since it’s conception 8 years ago, it has received only 281 complaints.
Survey Junkie also makes its privacy policy very accessible. It doesn’t try to hide and you know exactly how your information and personal data is being handled.
Pros of Survey Junkie
- Very easy to navigate
- User-friendly points system
- Quick and easy payout options (from testimonials)
- Payout in cash or gift cards, as opposed to discounts and coupons
- Low threshold
- Upfront survey values
- Get points even if you don’t qualify
- Can do surveys on both app and desktop
Cons of Survey Junkie
- Repetitive questionnaires
- High-value surveys limited
- Will take you to 3rd party site which may require another questionnaire before you qualify
- Some users report issues with payment. See FAQ, they need to confirm your number.
- Low-value surveys
- Surveys fill up fast
- Surveys do not show the subjects of the surveys
Overall Rating and Review of Survey Junkie
In conclusion, I believe that Survey Junkie is a legit way to make some extra cash in your spare time.
Know that you won’t be paying your bills consistently by doing surveys but it can result in earning enough for a date night, Christmas present or two, or adding a little extra to your debt payments.
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